Particularly protected – Rare newt species discovered in the Goslar district – Knowledge

Goslar (dpa / lni) – A specimen of the great crested newt, which is considered endangered in Germany, has been spotted in a pond in the Goslar district. The foundation announced that this newt species was discovered for the first time in the biotope areas on the Nette in Lower Saxony managed by the Heinz Sielmann Foundation.

The surprising fund is proof that the biotope network in the Goslar district with its still waters is an ecologically effective habitat, said Maude Erasmy from the Heinz Sielmann Foundation. Great crested newts have high demands on their habitat, which is why they have been given special protection status across Europe.

With a body length of up to 18 centimeters, the great crested newt is the largest newt species found in Germany, it was said. Male animals wear a magnificent silvery crest on their backs during the mating season in spring. Therefore, their appearance resembles that of a dragon.

The fish population must be controlled

According to the foundation’s experts, ideal habitats are ponds that are surrounded by grassland and hedges, contain plenty of aquatic plants and have neighboring bodies of water.

In the spring of this year, an expert commissioned by the Heinz Sielmann Foundation detected common toads, grass and pond frogs, mountain newts, pond newts and thread-tailed newts during an amphibian mapping exercise – and also the great crested newt. However, so far only one male specimen has been seen. But it is definitely not alone.

In order for the great crested newt to have a secure future in the pond, the fish population in the water must, among other things, be controlled, because fish eat newt eggs.